Shelvey, beware: Newcastle fans react on Twitter to Mikel Merino’s performance

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Newcastle United beat West Ham United 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Michail Antonio of West Ham United and Mikel Merino of Newcastle United battle for possession

Newcastle United picked up their first win of the season as they defeated West Ham United 3-0 at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies had lost both of their Premier League games without scoring a goal, and then lost to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, with Saturday’s meeting against a similarly out-of-form West Ham seemingly the ideal opportunity to claim a win.

Rafael Benitez’s men did just that, with new signing Joselu bagging his first goal for Newcastle in the first half, tapping home from close range after Christian Atsu’s pull back.

Javier Hernandez of West Ham United is fouled by Mikel Merino of Newcastle United

Ciaran Clark made it 2-0 in the second half, heading home Matt Ritchie’s cross after tenacious work from the Scotland winger, and Aleksandar Mitrovic put the icing on the cake late on, rounding Joe Hart to seal a 3-0 win.

The Magpies needed a confidence-boosting win, and Saturday’s win was the perfect boost after a difficult start to the season, with one new summer signing catching the eye in the victory over Slaven Bilic’s men.

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino may have endured a hit-and-miss game against Huddersfield Town last week, but he was dominant in the middle of the park against West Ham.

Newcastle United fans celebrate at the final whistle after beating West Ham United

The 21-year-old, who is on a season-long loan deal from Borussia Dortmund, excelled in Newcastle’s engine room on Saturday, earning huge praise from Magpies fans after the final whistle.

Many raved about Merino for controlling and dictating the game, praising him as a ‘class act’ whilst even comparing him to Tottenham Hotspur star Mousa Dembele.

Some even believe that the suspended Jonjo Shelvey could struggle to get back into the starting line-up because Merino was so impressive alongside Isaac Hayden in midfield – and Newcastle will hope that he can sign permanently if he continues such displays.